Get help with debt

Debt with Fife Council

Council Tax helps fund local services, and rent is an essential payment for Fife Council tenants. We understand that people can fall behind with payments due to changes in income, rising costs or unexpected circumstances.

Struggling to pay your rent

If you’re struggling to pay your rent, there may be financial support available to help you stay in your home.

Rent Support Fund

If you are a Fife Council tenant and are experiencing financial hardship, the Rent Support Fund may be able to help with rent arrears or short‑term difficulties with rent payments.

The fund is designed to support tenants who are struggling due to unexpected changes in circumstances. Find out more about the Rent Support Fund.

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

DHP can help if your benefit does not cover your full rent, for example due to:

  • the bedroom tax
  • a benefit cap
  • short term financial difficulties

Find out more about Discretionary Housing Payment.

Housing Benefit

If you are on a low income or experiencing changes in your circumstances, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit (or may need to update an existing claim).

Housing Benefit can help pay rent and reduce arrears if awarded.

Find out more about Housing Benefit.

 

Struggling to pay your Council Tax

If you are struggling to pay Council Tax, there may be support available to reduce your bill or help make payments more manageable. It’s important to check what help you may be entitled to as soon as possible.

Council Tax Reduction

You may be able to get Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. Council Tax Reduction can reduce the amount of Council Tax you have to pay.

If your circumstances have changed, you may need to make a new claim or update an existing one. Find out more about Council Tax Reduction.

Council Tax discounts and exemptions

Some households may qualify for discounts or exemptions, which can reduce the amount of Council Tax charged. This could apply if:

  • you live alone
  • someone in your household is a student
  • there is a disability in the household
  • a property is exempt for a specific reason

Find out more about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.

If you are struggling to pay Council Tax or rent, contact us as soon as possible on 03451 55 11 55. We are open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. We will discuss the situation and explain all the options available to you. We want to work with you to agree a way forward and help prevent the situation from getting worse.

Independent advice services, such as Citizens Advice and Rights Fife, can help you understand your options and support you to make contact with us.

Last updated: 10 Jul 2026